A lot of tools have funny names. A lot of tools are called by multiple names and some tools have names that are kinda similar to the names of other tools. There are untold variations of hammers, saws and drivers. The crowbar is called several other names as are various pliers and cutters. Then there’s tools like nut drivers and nut setters. How exactly do you tell one apart from another? A little bit of study and a lot of experience will get you a long way, and to help you with the study part, today we’ll take a look at nut drivers and nut setters. What exactly is the difference?
At first glance, they both seem to do more or less the same thing. A first look might also show you that they are used in slightly different ways. One has a handle the other doesn’t. What are you supposed to do with that? Use your fingers? Turns out there’s an easy way to remember this, and you may have some leeway for the uses to overlap depending on how much torque you need.
Nut drivers, the ones with the handles, are used for low torque applications. Since they’re powered by you and your hands, you won’t get a lot of torque and you’ll have really precise control over it. That’s basically a nut driver in a…nutshell… it’s a hand tool and you have really exact control over it. Nut drivers are probably used most often in appliance repair, HVAC, hose clamps, car dash fasteners, small gas engines (landscaping equipment), and bicycles among other things. This would also be good for situations where you don’t need a fastener super tight.
On the other hand, nut setters have no handle, you won’t be using it with your hands. Not unless you’re an old time strongman anyways. Nut setters are basically the same as drivers except for the fact that they’re used with an impact driver instead of as a hand tool. This of course means that this is for a higher torque applications and you can sometimes find nut setters with a hollow shaft which makes it easy to fasten a nut onto a long screw. Some uses for nut setters include self-tapping screws, lag bolts, car repairs, basically any job where you need to drive something with a hex head and you need some reach and high torque. Since they’re used with impact drivers you’re not going to want to use it on something delicate. Be careful.
Nut drivers and nut setters have some key differences. If you’re doing any sort of repair work, chances are you’ll probably use one or both in your work. We carry both and the brands we carry are used by industry professionals so take your pick from high quality brands like Klein, Ideal Wiha and Wera.
Are you using nut drivers and nut setters? Let us know what you use them for!
FAQs
On the other hand, nut setters have no handle, you won't be using it with your hands. Not unless you're an old time strongman anyways. Nut setters are basically the same as drivers except for the fact that they're used with an impact driver instead of as a hand tool.
What does a nut setter do? ›
A nutsetter is a power tool accessory designed to fasten metal and self-tapping screws. There are four types of nutsetters: Hex nutsetters (sometimes referred to as standard nutsetters) drive fasteners using the corners to drive.
What do you use a nut driver set for? ›
A nutdriver or nut driver is a hand tool for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. It essentially consists of a socket attached to a shaft and cylindrical handle and is similar in appearance and use to a screwdriver. They generally have a hollow shaft to accommodate a shank onto which a nut is threaded.
What is another name for a nut driver? ›
The correct answer is Hex driver. It is sometimes called a nut driver, is used to tighten nuts in the same way that a screwdriver tightens screws.
What is the function of nut drivers? ›
Nut drivers are used to manually tighten and loosen nuts and bolts for low torque applications such as appliance repair, automotive repair, and electronics assembly. They come with attached sockets that fit around and grip around the entire head of the fastener for a secure fit.
Why do I need a nut driver? ›
Nut drivers are used in lower torque applications where more precision and control is needed. Typically the fastening torque is able to be achieved with man-power.
What is the difference between a nut driver and a hex driver? ›
Hex driver bits
It's basically the reverse of the nut driver, designed for a screw with a concave hex shape or a hex socket screw. One of the most common places I find these kinds of screws is in assembling furniture.
What is the difference between a nut driver and a nut setter? ›
On the other hand, nut setters have no handle, you won't be using it with your hands. Not unless you're an old time strongman anyways. Nut setters are basically the same as drivers except for the fact that they're used with an impact driver instead of as a hand tool.
What do electricians use nut drivers for? ›
Connecting Wires: Nut drivers are commonly used to secure wires together within junction boxes or electrical enclosures. They are especially useful for connecting wires to wire connectors (wire nuts) or terminal blocks.
What tool is sometimes called a nut driver? ›
Hex driver: Used to tighten or loosen nuts in the same way that a screwdriver tightens or loosens screws (sometimes called a nut driver).
Nut Driver Size Chart
| Nut Size | Nut Driver / Wrench Size (Imperial) | Nut Driver / Wrench Size (Metric) |
|---|
| #10 | 3/8" | 0.009525 m |
| #12 | 7/16" | 0.0111125 m |
| 1/4" | 7/16" | 0.0111125 m |
| 5/16" | 1/2" | 0.0127 m |
15 more rowsJan 12, 2022
Wrenches are essential tools used to tighten and loosen fasteners, like nuts and bolts. Generally made from a chrome-plated steel alloy, wrenches are both durable and easy to clean.
Where can I use a nut driver? ›
Nut Driver Applications
Nut drivers are a useful addition to any toolbox, as they are a quick and easy way to tighten or loosen a nut. Professional engineers in automotive mechanics, plumbing, and electrical circuitry regularly use nut drivers on the job.
What is the difference between a nut setter and a nut driver? ›
On the other hand, nut setters have no handle, you won't be using it with your hands. Not unless you're an old time strongman anyways. Nut setters are basically the same as drivers except for the fact that they're used with an impact driver instead of as a hand tool.
What is the purpose of a Nutsert? ›
Nutserts, also known as a rivnut, threaded inserts, rivet nuts, well nuts or threaded insert nuts, are fasteners used to create threaded connections in objects made from metal, plastic, or composite materials. Nutserts are most commonly used in the construction, automotive, aerospace, and the electronics industries.
What are nut fasteners used for? ›
Nuts are fasteners with threaded holes that secure to bolts, screws or studs and hold parts together. Once securely fastened, a nut prevents axial movement in connected materials.
Nut drivers, the ones with the handles, are used for low torque applications. Since they’re powered by you and your hands, you won’t get a lot of torque and you’ll have really precise control over it. That’s basically a nut driver in a…nutshell… it’s a hand tool and you have really exact control over it. Nut drivers are probably used most often in appliance repair, HVAC, hose clamps, car dash fasteners, small gas engines (landscaping equipment), and bicycles among other things. This would also be good for situations where you don’t need a fastener super tight. 
On the other hand, nut setters have no handle, you won’t be using it with your hands. Not unless you’re an old time strongman anyways. Nut setters are basically the same as drivers except for the fact that they’re used with an impact driver instead of as a hand tool. This of course means that this is for a higher torque applications and you can sometimes find nut setters with a hollow shaft which makes it easy to fasten a nut onto a long screw. Some uses for nut setters include self-tapping screws, lag bolts, car repairs, basically any job where you need to drive something with a hex head and you need some reach and high torque. Since they’re used with impact drivers you’re not going to want to use it on something delicate. Be careful.